A New York City Guide to the Decorative Arts: Immerse Yourself in Style

Learn the visual vocabulary of style and ornament in the European and American decorative arts from the 17th to the 21st centuries through weekly guided visits to auction houses, galleries, and museums in New York City. After completing this course, you will be able to identify the distinguishing characteristics of different styles, to determine the age and origin of an object, and to recognize whether an object is an original or a reproduction. From the baroque, neoclassical, and 19th-century revival periods to art deco and contemporary design, learn about the history and evolution of silver, ceramics, porcelain, furniture, and other types of objects. This course is perfect for antique dealers, appraisers, interior designers, jewelry designers, artisans, architects, or anyone with an interest in the decorative arts. It can be taken as a stand alone course or in conjunction with New York City Museums by Moonlight: Decorative Arts from Baroque to Contemporary.
Visits will be focused on auction houses and galleries but will also include one to two museums, such as the Neue Galerie, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of Arts and Design.